Top 12 Private Browsers of 2024

Every internet user faces the risk of privacy breaches. When we browse, search, or shop online, our personal information is often silently gathered. Advertisers, marketing firms, and even hackers could be spying on your browsing history, tracking your IP address, or using browser cookies to track your online activities.

Privacy browsers were created in response to this issue. Different from standard browsers, they offer stricter privacy protection, cloaking your online activities with an invisibility cloak, making your digital life more private.

So, among the many options, which is the best privacy browser? This article will answer that question for you.

Note: The following list is arranged in alphabetical order by the browser's name.

Brave

Brave Browser emphasizes privacy protection and ad-blocking. Built on Chromium, it blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad trackers by default. Additionally, it allows users to earn cryptocurrency while browsing the web. This business model is based on privacy-protecting ads, where users can receive cryptocurrency rewards for choosing to view ads, while content creators also get a share of the ad revenue.

Brave offers various enhanced privacy settings, including blocking third-party ad trackers, upgrading insecure connections to HTTPS, and blocking cookies and fingerprinting. To enhance user privacy, Brave has removed some of Google's code from the Chromium base, including account integration, background sync, and certain built-in extensions. Brave has also introduced a "Tor mode" for anonymous routing through the Tor network.

Developers also provide VPN and firewall services to protect users' online activities outside the browser. Additionally, Brave has introduced an "Off-the-Record" (OTR) feature, designed to help those who need to keep their browsing activities hidden to avoid intrusion by other users on shared devices.

Pros:

• Fast browsing speed

• Not reliant on traditional online advertising

• Default settings prioritize privacy protection

Cons:

• Some users report issues with resource usage

DuckDuckGo

Designed for users who desire straightforward privacy features at no cost, DuckDuckGo offers privacy services conveniently and freely.

It does not track your search history and protects your online privacy. Simple privacy measures, like tracking blockers and the Fire button to erase browsing data, enhance security without compromising ease of use.

DuckDuckGo also blocks third-party trackers and ads, contributing to a more private browsing environment.

However, DuckDuckGo does have a limitation: it blocks trackers, but ads based on search results still appear. These ads are not personalized, but they can be a distraction for those who want an ad-free experience. Additionally, the "Bangs" feature could weaken DuckDuckGo's privacy protection as it may lead to search queries being leaked.

Pros:

• Doesn't track online behavior

• Offers straightforward privacy tools

• Blocks third-party trackers

Cons:

• Displays ads based on searches

• The "Bangs" feature might affect privacy protection

Epic

Epic Privacy Browser's main selling point is its default privacy settings, meaning users can enjoy higher privacy protection than traditional browsers without complex configurations. Initially, it sends "Do Not Track" requests, blocks cookies, ads, and trackers, and uses DuckDuckGo for searches. Users can adjust browser settings as needed, balancing convenience with privacy.

Epic has no auto-sync, no spell check, no auto-fill, no plugins, etc., as these features are either default off or not available. It also doesn't store browsing history, login data, databases, or other information. Browsing data is not cached, and no auto-suggestions for links are saved in the address bar. Epic's built-in encrypted proxy, similar to a VPN, and automatic preference for SSL connections help hide the user's IP address, adding an extra layer of protection for online activities.

Its only downside is that Epic is based on Chromium code and is not open source to the public, so its independence cannot be guaranteed 100%.

Pros:

• All privacy settings enabled by default

• Built-in encrypted proxy feature

• Automatically prefers SSL connections

Cons:

• Based on Chromium, raising concerns about independence

LibreWolf

LibreWolf is based on the popular Mozilla Firefox but has been modified to provide a more privacy-friendly and secure browsing experience. It enhances security by removing or disabling features that may infringe on privacy or are unnecessary, such as telemetry, data collection, and integrated promotions.

LibreWolf also comes with the excellent uBlock anti-tracking extension and defaults to using DuckDuckGo, a search engine that doesn't collect data. Since it doesn't want to send any data to servers, LibreWolf also disables the Google Safe Browsing feature found in the Firefox browser.

Pros:

• Strong privacy protection

• uBlock anti-tracking extension

• Disables Google Safe Browsing in Firefox

Cons:

• Limited browsing convenience

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox stands out for its customizable privacy controls. It turns on Enhanced Tracking Protection by default, effectively blocking various trackers and malicious scripts. Users can adjust these settings to achieve even tighter privacy. Firefox does well in disabling browser cookies and blocking third-party trackers. Its free nature, user-friendly interface, and cross-platform compatibility make it widely popular.

However, Mozilla Firefox might sometimes disrupt the normal functioning of websites or hinder the internet browsing experience, mainly when necessary cookies or scripts are blocked. Additionally, the customization process can be somewhat complex for some users.

Pros:

• Advanced privacy setting options

• User-friendly and customizable interface

• Free and open-source software

Cons:

• May cause some websites to not function properly

• The customization process may be complex for some users

Mulvad

Mullvad Browser boasts strong WebRTC protection, ensuring users' real IP addresses are not exposed during online sessions. It is an ideal choice for those who often participate in video conferences, VoIP calls, or use P2P services. Mullvad requires no personal information upon registration, making it a top pick for users seeking anonymity.

Mullvad Browser is built on Mozilla's open-source Firefox codebase and is developed in collaboration with the Mullvad VPN service and the Tor Project. It looks similar to the Tor Browser but doesn't actually offer Tor functionality.

Additionally, its compatibility with some mainstream features or extensions is lacking, which may reduce its appeal to users accustomed to the features of other popular browsers. For users used to feature-rich browsers, Mullvad's simplicity and privacy focus might mean sacrificing some functionality and customization options.

Pros:

• Strong WebRTC protection

• Simple and user-friendly interface

Cons:

• Limited user support options

• Lacks some features

Opera

Opera is particularly suitable for users who value privacy, seek a user-friendly interface, and desire multifunctionality.

A highlight of the Opera browser is its built-in VPN, which offers a convenient way to enhance privacy and security. This free, easy-to-use VPN is ideal for those looking to save on VPN service costs while still using a VPN, as well as for VPN newbies seeking a hassle-free experience. Opera also provides efficient cookie management tools, allowing users to effectively clear and manage browser cookies, limiting the spread of personal information. Additionally, Opera comes with other features like ad-blockers.

It's worth noting that Opera's built-in VPN has some limitations. While convenient, the protection and speed it offers may not match those of professional VPN service providers. Its limited server options might restrict user access to certain content. For users looking for advanced privacy features, Opera might not be sufficient.

Pros:

• Integrated free VPN

• Convenient user interface

• Effective cookie management tools

Cons:

• Limited VPN functionality

• May not be ideal for users seeking advanced features

Puffin

Puffin Browser is a cloud browser focused on speed and security, with a unique approach to rendering web pages. In traditional browsers, users send requests, and servers send back the requested data as code files, which the browser then renders and displays. Puffin operates differently as a cloud browser; web pages are rendered in Puffin's cloud, not by directly receiving and rendering data from website servers. This provides a degree of anonymity for users since websites see Puffin servers' IP addresses, not the user's real IP, and it also protects users from malicious software.

Pros:

• Cloud rendering technology provides anonymity

Cons:

• Cloud rendering may result in response delays for highly interactive web pages

Tempest

Tempest is a new browser based on Chromium, launched by the developer of the private search engine of the same name. It is similar to Chrome in many ways but adds some privacy protection features. Tempest offers encrypted search terms and website privacy report displays. In settings, users can choose from three privacy protection levels: no blocking, blocking trackers (default), or blocking ads and trackers.

The browser defaults to using Cloudflare DNS servers, which offer a privacy advantage over ISP-provided servers. In security settings, Tempest only offers standard or no protection options, not using Chrome's enhanced protection because it sends browsing data to Google.

Additionally, Tempest is the only browser besides Brave that reports randomized fingerprints.

Pros:

• Encrypted search terms

• Privacy setting choices

• Uses Cloudflare DNS

• Randomized fingerprints

Cons:

• Limited security settings, lacking Chrome's enhanced protection options

Tor

Tor Browser is particularly suited for users for whom anonymous browsing is a primary need, such as journalists, activists, or individuals with sensitive online activities who need to conceal their identities. With the motto "Protect yourself from tracking, surveillance, and censorship," Tor significantly enhances user anonymity with multi-layer encryption.

Tor Browser encrypts network traffic through at least three nodes. This unique design means that the first node knows the traffic's origin but not its destination; the middle node knows nothing about the traffic, and the last node only knows the destination, making tracking extremely difficult. Tor also integrates with the DuckDuckGo search engine, which does not record or store users' search histories, further enhancing anonymity.

Pros:

• High degree of anonymity

• Strong privacy protection features

• DuckDuckGo search engine integration

Cons:

• Slower browsing speed

• Potential legal risks

Vivaldi

As a branch of Opera, Vivaldi also uses Chromium browser code and takes customization to the extreme. Vivaldi boasts many innovative features, such as built-in translation, split-screen view, tab stacking, notes, a sidebar for links, and mouse gesture support. The recently added Workspaces feature allows users to group related browsing sessions, enhancing work efficiency.

Vivaldi has built-in ad blocking and tracker blocking capabilities, with finely tuned privacy settings. Users can choose their default search engine and have a wide range of privacy and security settings. For instance, different default search engines can be set for regular browsing and private browsing modes, with distinct security settings for each.

Additionally, Vivaldi disables the Idle API by default, meaning websites cannot request to use this API, preventing users' online behavior from being tracked.

Pros:

• Highly customizable

• Many innovative features that improve efficiency

• Fine-tuned privacy settings

Cons:

• Not specifically protected against fingerprinting

Waterfox

Waterfox is one of the few browsers based on the Mozilla Gecko web rendering engine. Recently, the Waterfox organization has broken away from its corporate owner and returned to being an open-source project. Like Firefox, Waterfox employs Enhanced Tracking Protection, capable of defending against media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, fingerprinters, cryptocurrency miners, and trackers hidden in ads, videos, and other content.

Like Firefox, Waterfox allows users to sync bookmarks, history, tabs, passwords, add-ons, and settings. The browser uses Oblivious DNS technology to hide website requests from ISPs, benefiting privacy. Users can also use any extension and theme designed for Firefox.

Although Waterfox claims to have fingerprint resistance, it uses a blocklist rather than randomizing fingerprint data like Brave.

Pros:

• Open-source project

• Enhanced tracking protection

• Syncing capabilities

Cons:

• Limited fingerprint protection

**Conclusion

**

Today, protecting online privacy is more important than ever. Choosing the right privacy browser can help you avoid advertiser surveillance and potential cyber threats. Whether you want the completely anonymous Tor Browser or the customizable privacy controls of Mozilla Firefox, each privacy browser offers a level of protection for your online activities. Regardless of which browser you choose, stay vigilant, regularly update your privacy settings, and check the effectiveness of fingerprint hiding to ensure privacy security. You can use BrowserScan, a powerful browser fingerprint detection tool, to help identify your browser fingerprint and ensure that your real IP address and other sensitive information are effectively hidden.